Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Birkert

Thomas E. Birkert has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11627843
    Abstract: A container is disclosed for soaking and washing a toddler, and includes an asymmetric hump and a resilient mushroom-shaped plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Quinn Michael Biesinger, Thomas E. Birkert
  • Patent number: 11284754
    Abstract: Non-slip toilet training devices are disclosed which include a layer of resilient material positioned at all contact surfaces between the training device and a conventional toilet. A raised resilient front portion serves to prevent potential urine flow from spraying outside of the confines of the training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruth Hsin-Ju Fang, Thomas E. Birkert, Shirley Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11066816
    Abstract: A faucet extender having a channel adapted to extend and divert a fluid out of an open edge away from a faucet opening. The faucet extender may have a fluid outlet fitting having a receiving opening and a flow-through opening. The faucet extender may have an attachment mechanism that pivotally rotates and secures the fluid outlet fitting in an angle that diverts the fluid to the open edge. The faucet extender is adapted to interface with a variety of different faucet configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Sun Simon Kang, Thomas E. Birkert, Mark Gerard Tebbe, Quinn Michael Biesinger, Nathan Lu
  • Patent number: 10869578
    Abstract: A container assembly having a container, a lid having a spout, and a partition to separate the container into multiple subcompartments. The partition has a flexible edge which is in contact with an inner surface of the lid. When the lid rotates about the container, the flexible edge is biased against the lid and is capable of being deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruth Hsin-Ju Fang, Thomas E. Birkert, Kim Fung Dick Yiu
  • Publication number: 20200253427
    Abstract: A container is disclosed for soaking and washing a toddler, and includes an asymmetric hump and a resilient mushroom-shaped plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Quinn Michael Biesinger, Thomas E. Birkert
  • Publication number: 20200217053
    Abstract: A faucet extender having a channel adapted to extend and divert a fluid out of an open edge away from a faucet opening. The faucet extender may have a fluid outlet fitting having a receiving opening and a flow-through opening. The faucet extender may have an attachment mechanism that pivotally rotates and secures the fluid outlet fitting in an angle that diverts the fluid to the open edge. The faucet extender is adapted to interface with a variety of different faucet configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Yong Sun Simon KANG, Thomas E. BIRKERT, Mark Gerard TEBBE, Quinn Michael BIESINGER, Nathan LU
  • Patent number: 10589712
    Abstract: A harness retainer having a cover, a magnet, a rear plate and a fastener. The cover has a ledge defining a flat surface. The rear plate is attached to the cover and is constructed to define a contour having a radius of curvature. The magnet is disposed between the cover and the rear plate and is disposed under the ledge. The rear plate has a first retainer and a second retainer. The fastener is fixedly attached to the first retainer and removably attached to the second retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Sun Simon Kang, Mark Gerard Tebbe, Thomas E. Birkert
  • Patent number: 10531725
    Abstract: Modular and flexible interchangeable brush system to scrub a container. The brush system includes a handle having a first core and a second core. A sleeve is provided into which the first core and the second core are disposed. A flexible stem is removably connected to the first core of the handle. The flexible stem has at least one gap into which a resilient material is disposed. The location of the gap is at a bend location along a longitudinal axis of the handle. A first brush is operatively connected to the flexible stem, and a second brush is operatively connected to, and received within, the second core of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Birkert, Sung Yun Chan, Mark Gerard Tebbe, Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Yong Sun Simon Kang
  • Patent number: 10370897
    Abstract: A linear actuator extension assembly having a base housing, a driving member and a driven member having a housing. The driving member has a driving surface and a threaded lead screw disposed within the base housing. The driving surface is rotated about a first axis to actuate the threaded lead screw, thereby rotating the threaded lead screw about a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The rotation of the threaded lead screw translates the driven member housing relative to the base housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Birkert, Sung Yun Chan, Nicholas Trumbo
  • Publication number: 20190110627
    Abstract: An infuser container is disclosed. In an aspect, the container includes a body, a filter arranged with the body to form a first chamber for receiving an infusion substance and a second chamber, a cap engaged with the body, the cap having an extractor extending into the first chamber when the cap is engaged with the body, wherein the extractor is configured to mash the infusion substance to produce an extracted substance when engaging the cap with the body. Thus extraction of liquid from the infusion substance such as fruit can occur concurrently with engaging the cap with the body. In an embodiment, a collar and seal assembly is arranged on the drinking end of the body, which can be removed to add a liquid to the second chamber such that the extracted liquid and the liquid can blend. In another embodiment, the filter includes apertures positioned to trap the extracted liquid in the filter chamber during the securing of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Quinn Michael Biesinger, Thomas E. Birkert, Mark Gerard Tebbe
  • Patent number: 10081980
    Abstract: A pressure fit mesh gate having an outer casing and a mesh barrier door. The outer casing has a pair of upright frame elements connected to a lower cross element. The mesh barrier door is positioned within the outer casing. The mesh barrier door is hingedly connected to one of the upright frame elements. The barrier door has a frame including a first side member and a second side member friction fit connected at their ends by corner joints to an upper member and a lower member. At least one of the corner joints is a two-part corner joint. The two-part corner joint has a first extension that is friction fit into a first end of one of the members, and a second extension friction fit into an adjacent end of another one of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Birkert, Sung Yun Chan, Ruth Hsin-Ju Fang, Nicholas Trumbo
  • Publication number: 20180235846
    Abstract: A compressible pacifier is described having a flexible neck portion connecting a nipple to a base portion. The flexible neck portion allows for the nipple to be extended for use as needed, and compressed within the planar surface of the base portion when the pacifier is not in use or is being transported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Ruth Hsin-Ju FANG, Thomas E. BIRKERT, Mark Gerard TEBBE
  • Publication number: 20180237213
    Abstract: A low profile, modular container is described having two cylindrical compartments which connect together at a center portion. The ends of each compartment include a pair of pivoting jaws which are adapted to open to accommodate a pacifier within the body of each compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Ruth Hsin-Ju FANG, Thomas E. BIRKERT, Mark Gerard TEBBE
  • Publication number: 20180236968
    Abstract: A harness retainer having a cover, a magnet, a rear plate and a fastener. The cover has a ledge defining a flat surface. The rear plate is attached to the cover and is constructed to define a contour having a radius of curvature. The magnet is disposed between the cover and the rear plate and is disposed under the ledge. The rear plate has a first retainer and a second retainer. The fastener is fixedly attached to the first retainer and removably attached to the second retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Yong Sun Simon KANG, Mark Gerard TEBBE, Thomas E. BIRKERT
  • Patent number: 9963158
    Abstract: A carrier transporter is described which is retractable into a low-profile configuration, and extendable to accommodate a carrier or child seat. An adjustable height bar positions a securing device to coincide with a belt path of the carrier and allow a strap to be lead through the belt path and re-secured back to the bar through a buckle. The base of the carrier is supported by an extendable base platform having grip padding to further secure the base to the transporter. The base platform and wheels move together when retracting the transporter and move away from each other when extending the transporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn Michael Biesinger, Thomas E. Birkert
  • Publication number: 20170292325
    Abstract: A barrier assembly is disclosed having a middle door portion that pivots about a vertical axis on one side of the frame. A linear extending actuator provides widening ability to the barrier assembly, and allows a more secure grip on opposing walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Quinn Michael Biesinger, Thomas E. Birkert, Ruth Hsin-Ju Fang
  • Publication number: 20170208928
    Abstract: Modular and flexible interchangeable brush system to scrub a container. The brush system includes a handle having a first core and a second core. A sleeve is provided into which the first core and the second core are disposed. A flexible stem is removably connected to the first core of the handle. The flexible stern has at least one gap into which a resilient material is disposed. The location of the gap is at a bend location along a longitudinal axis of the handle. A first brush is operatively connected to the flexible stem, and a second brush is operatively connected to, and received within, the second core of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas E. Birkert, Sung Yun Chan, Mark Gerard TEBBE, Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Yong Sun Simon Kang
  • Publication number: 20170210406
    Abstract: A carrier transporter is described which is retractable into a low-profile configuration, and extendable to accommodate a carrier or child seat. An adjustable height bar positions a securing device to coincide with a belt path of the carrier and allow a strap to be lead through the belt path and re-secured back to the bar through a buckle. The base of the carrier is supported by an extendable base platform having grip padding to further secure the base to the transporter. The base platform and wheels move together when retracting the transporter and move away from each other when extending the transporter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Quinn Michael Biesinger, Thomas E. Birkert
  • Publication number: 20170164796
    Abstract: Non-slip toilet training devices are disclosed which include a layer of resilient material positioned at all contact surfaces between the training device and a conventional toilet. A raised resilient front portion serves to prevent potential urine flow from spraying outside of the confines of the training device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Ruth Hsin-Ju Fang, Thomas E. Birkert, Shirley Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20160249733
    Abstract: Modular and flexible brush systems are disclosed having multiple interchangeable parts that have different functions. A base portion contains a nipple brush. A handle portion includes various internal connecting mechanisms and stores the nipple brush. A top portion includes a bottle brush and has a flexible neck portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Gerard Tebbe, Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Yong Sun Simon Kang, Sung Yun Chan, Thomas E. Birkert